Partial (focal) seizure

Definition

All seizures are caused by abnormal electrical disturbances in the brain. Partial (focal) seizures occur when this electrical activity remains in a limited area of the brain. The seizures can sometimes turn into generalized seizures, which affect the whole brain. This is called secondary generalization.

Partial seizures can be divided into:

Simple -- not affecting awareness or memory

Complex -- affecting awareness or memory of events before, during, and immediately after the seizure, and affecting behavior